Tea bowl - Ceramic - Akazu Kutsuwa Bowl

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Seto Akazu Ware “Wave” Kutsuwa Matcha Tea Bowl by Mizuno Shakuichi with Original Wooden Box

Description

A Kutsuwa-shaped Matcha tea bowl by Mizuno Shakuichi, a ceramic artist from the Akazu ware tradition of Seto, created for the theme “Wave.”

The bowl comes with its original signed wooden box (tomobako) and original cloth. The inscription on the box reads: “Seto Akazu Ware – Wave – Matcha Tea Bowl – Mizuno Shakuichi.”

The most striking feature of this work is the bold sculptural relief of crashing waves carved into the white slip decoration. Rather than serving as simple ornamentation, the deeply carved motif creates a powerful sense of movement, with changing light and shadow giving the bowl an almost sculptural presence from different viewing angles.

Its form also stands out. While based on the traditional Kutsuwa (oval) tea bowl, the shape is pushed further into a more expressive and dynamic design than typical examples. The bold proportions and strong silhouette reflect the artistic sensibility of contemporary Japanese ceramics.

The contrast between the deep black glaze and the soft white slip creates a beautiful balance between calmness and motion, resulting in a highly distinctive composition. Suitable both as a functional tea utensil and as a fine example of contemporary Japanese ceramic art.

The side of the wooden box bears the handwritten notation “1994.1.” This appears to have been added by a later owner and is not believed to be the artist’s inscription.

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Dimensions

* Width: approx. 13.5 cm
* Depth: approx. 8.5 cm
* Height: approx. 9.8 cm

Please allow for minor measurement differences.

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Condition

* Good overall condition.
* No chips, cracks, or repairs observed.
* Minor glaze variations, crazing, and small kiln pinholes are consistent with the original firing process and should be regarded as characteristics of the work.
* The original wooden box shows light age-related wear and minor stains.
* The handwritten “1994.1” on the side of the box is believed to have been added later and is not considered to be by the artist.

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Highlights

* Akazu ware by Mizuno Shakuichi
* Theme: “Wave”
* Original signed wooden box and original cloth included
* Powerful sculptural relief of waves
* Bold and expressive Kutsuwa-shaped form
* Beautiful contrast of black glaze and white slip
* Suitable for tea ceremony use or as a contemporary Japanese ceramic art collection